rigid
Rigid aluminium dew-shields
for Meade LXD55 telescopes

Our superb rigid dew-shields for LXD55 SNTs and SCT are roll-manufactured and have an unobtrusive seam. They will combat dewing and keep stray light at bay but the special military-specification matt black inner coating, for improved image contrast, will also minimise the effect of infra-red scatter and is ideal for CCD imaging. A perfect fit is achieved by nylon screws. Finished in white gloss powder coat.

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Titan Field Pier
Titan Field Pier
 

Designed initially for the 10" LXD55, the Titan offers the ultimate in observatory quality rigid mounting but in a easily portable field assembly pier. The LXD55 has a growing reputation as a superb value-for-money telescope, the one common area of weakness within the range being the tripod mounting. We have designed a mounting that will hold this exciting telescope with an unparalleled level of rigidity. Ideal for use with the 6," 8" and 10" LXD55 SNT and 8" LXD55 SCT scopes. Includes integral hanger bracket for the AC338 12V 4Ah Portable Astro Power Station (not included). Complete with canvas carry bag.

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Heavy Duty
Heavy-Duty Field Power Station 12V 17.5Ah Battery

The HD Field Power Station has a cigar lighter socket and meter to indicate battery charge and output level. This unit has power to spare and will run an LX200 all night long with a complement of anti-dew heaters running at the same time. Includes integral red night-vision utility light. Even includes built-in jump leads to start your car with its 400amp cold cranking power! High-impact slimline case with carrying handle. Complete with in-car recharging cable and AC mains recharging transformer (220-240V for UK use only available at this time).

Includes a 1.2m long LX and ETX telescope connection cable.

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12V 7.5m (25ft) Power Extension Cable
12V 7.5m (25ft) Power Extension Cable

 

This fuse-protected extension cable has a 10m reach and a standard cigar lighter plug at one end. To minimise the risk of tangles, the cable has a right-angle LX telescope connection jack plug (2.5mm).With red LED indicator light (equivalent to Meade #607).

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

all LXD55
SNT & SCT

Titan Field Pier

AC370

248.99

To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

ALL 7" & 8" LX scopes

7" & 8" Focus-Master

FI096

69.99

ALL 10" LX scopes

10" Focus-Master

FI097

Available soon

pb
Universal Piggy-Back camera mounting
Tiltable camera mounting for LXD55 ring mount telescopes
(fits all except 5" refractor).

Take perfectly tracked astro-photos with your Meade LXD55 telescope. Camera head tilts to allow camera to point in different attitude to telescope. This very rigid mounting is a major improvement over ball-and-socket type attachments. Locking grub screws prevent sudden camera rotations and slips.

The same head is available on a suitable mounting for the LXD55 8" SCT (see LX SCT section). Supplied complete with all fastenings and fitting tools.

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The Universal tiltable camera mounting fitted to a 10 inch LXD55 SNT

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Wheel-Easy Telescope Moving Dolly
Wheel-Easy Telescope Moving Dolly
The easy way to move your LX telescope

The Wheel-Easy is a telescope moving dolly that fits a wide range of telescope tripods including all Meade models up to and including the 10" LX200 (it also fits Celestron models up to 11"). Fully adjustable to fit all tripods with a leg spread of between 31" to 36". With the addition of the leg extender pack, the 12" and 14" LX200 models can be accommodated. Supplied with instructions all fastenings and assembly spanner.

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Flexible Dew Shields
Flexible dew-shields
for Meade LXD55 Telescopes

Our Easy-Fit Flexible dew-shields will combat dewing and keep stray light at bay. The shield features black fibre flocking on the inside for improved image contrast. A perfect fit is achieved by hidden Velcro fixing strips that hold the tube to itself and not the scope. All models will simply undo along their Velcro joint and store flat if required. Please note: two 8" models are available, one for the 8" SCT and the other for the 8" SNT. Be sure to order the correct version.

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Solar Observation Filters
Solar Observation Filters
Discover the nearest star, our Sun, in stunning detail with your Meade LX telescope.

Our solar filters have been designed to allow direct viewing or photography of broadband solar phenomena (sunspots, faculae etc). Because of the poor seeing that usually attends daytime telescopic observations we do not consider full aperture solar filters much beyond 100mm (4") diameter to be very worthwhile. With this in mind we have produced a high quality filter system that exploits the Focus-Master (above) and allows the use of smaller filters off-axis. The filter is manufactured from glass and has a multi-layered metalised coating applied by a process of evaporation in a vacuum chamber. For safe and secure observation, the glass filter is sealed in a high precision black anodised aluminium cell that screws directly onto the thread on the front of the Focus-Master. For safety, the glass filter is held in the cell with precision-machined screws and not glue (or tape!) as in some competitors products. Solar observation can be dangerous ­ read enclosed instructions carefully.

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pccable
PC connection cable.
Allows all LXD55 telescopes to be connected to the serial port of a PC.

Fitted with 9-way D plug for connection to the serial port of your PC - the cable fits into the 4 way modular port in the base of the #497 Autostar handset to provide full PC connectivity. For upgrades and full remote operation by PC planetarium programs (check compatibility with software vendor). Cable is available in four standard lengths: 5, 10, 20 and 30m.

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Focus-Master Lens Cap
Focus-Master Lens Cap
Combined astro-photography focusing aid and off-axis Solar filter holder
(also aids collimation!)

Great astro-photography depends heavily on perfect focus. The Focus-Master is a three hole mask that fits over the end of the telescope and helps you achieve perfect focus in seconds. In poor seeing conditions, or on a dim camera focusing screen or CCD monitor, it can be difficult to tell the difference between one focus position and another. With the Focus-Master attached there is no uncertainty: if the image is out of focus you will see not one but three images.

Adjust the focus and make the three images merge into one and the instrument is focused. Simply remove the mask and you are ready to begin imaging.

But the story doesn't end here. One aperture of the Focus-Master has a special threaded rim that enables our range of precision-mounted glass solar filters to be screwed into place for off-axis viewing* (see next item below for more info). If this isn't enough, the Focus-Master also provides a good method of checking and adjusting collimation. Still not convinced? The Focus-Master has three large plastic plugs for it's holes so it makes a perfect replacement dust cover as well! Please specify aperture when ordering. *Our range of adapters can also be fitted with Coronado Ha filters.

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parfocal digital camera support
Ultra afocal/parfocal digital camera support


The easiest way to get into astro-photography! The Ultra Standard is a simple way to mount any camera onto the LX and take pictures through the instrument's eyepiece. The Ultra does not use your camera's filter ring, instead the tripod socket carries the camera's weight. Clever design allows the Ultra to fit virtually every camera available. Fits directly onto any 1.25" eyepiece (see Astro Photography section for alternative products).

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gpsmate
The GPS-Mate
Add the power and precision of Global Positioning System satellite data to your LXD55 telescope - at the press of a single button.
The GPS-Mate allows GPS functionality to be added to your Meade LXD55 telescope. In seconds the GPS-Mate will receive data from the GPS satellite network, derive the telescope's position anywhere on the Earth's surface to an accuracy of a few metres (a few tens of feet), calculate the time zone offset (based on longitude position) and upload all this data into your telescope, together with the date and time to sub-second accuracy. Simply plug the device into the Autostar handset and press the start button - it really is that simple! Unlike competing products, there is no complicated software to install and you can use it on any number of telescopes without paying an additional licence fee.

The GPS-Mate is so powerful and simple to use you'll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. The GPS-Mate is super-functional and upgrades the Meade LXD55 telescope regardless of age. It improves pointing accuracy and makes the telescope a joy to set up and use. Even when using the telescope from a regular position, the GPS-Mate still makes the telescope easier to use by eliminating the need to obtain an accurate time signal and input date and time information by hand. The GPS-Mate updates the time and date precisely with a single button push.

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Just look at these world-beating features:

• Super-sensitive and accurate: 12.5m (41ft) radius position accuracy, sub-second clock update accuracy.

• Easy for all to use - no software required or complicated instructions - just plug-in and play.

• No complicated software 'patches' and licences required for use with additional telescopes.

• No risk of Autostar errors due to low-volts power drain. Our unit has its own 9V power supply for greater reliability and less impact on the host telescope.

The super-sensitive GPS antenna means that the GPS-Mate works in poor conditions and even indoors near a window.

It works with all Meade ETX telescopes fitted with #495 and #497 Autostar handsets (that is, 90EC, 105EC and 125EC). It also provides full GPS functionality with Meade LX90, and all models of LXD55 and LX200 Classic.

The complete GPS-Mate kit comes packaged in a handsome foam-fitted black attaché case, and is supplied with a cable to allow attachment to all Mak-Cass ETXs, LX90 and LXD55, as well as a cable to fit all LX200 Classic and GPS models.

To compare the GPS-Mate with the competition:

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

All ETX telescopes, LX90, LXD55, LX200 Classic & GPS

The GPS-Mate
Global Positioning System telescopes setup aid,
complete kit for all scopes

AC500

189.99

dplate
Solid replacement dovetail plate for Meade LXD55 SNTs
 

The LXD55 SNTs are great telescopes, but we have found one or two small points that could be improved. This replacement dovetail plate is precision CNC machined in our workshop to provide a more durable support for the mounting rings fitted to the 8" and 10" SNT. These heavier telescopes benefit from the more rigid support offered by a solid rather than cast dovetail plate.

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

All LXD55 SNTs

Solid replacement dovetail plate for LXD55

AC502

59.99

Astro Power Station
Compact Astro Power Station
a rechargeable 12V 10Ah battery power supply for telescopes

Half the physical size of other battery power supplies, but well over half the power - the Compact Astro Power Station packs a surprising punch. Its heavy-duty 12V10Ah battery will run a telescope for days, or a telescope and small anti-dewing system all night. Versatile and powerful, the unit has a built-in night vision-saving red work-light to help set up your scope, and built-in jump leads to start your car! Supplied with 12V ETX/LX telescope connection cable, AC mains charging unit and a 12V car recharging cable (to recharge the battery unit from a car cigar lighter socket).

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coat
Scope-Coat
for LXD55 refractors Custom telescope shower and dust cover

A top quality custom-fitted cover to fit popular LXD55 refractors on their standard German equatorial mounts. Made from tough shower and mould-resistant polyurethane-coated nylon and with double-stitched seams for long service. The Scope-Coat is the ideal long-term indoor dust cover that is also tough enough for short-term outdoor protection e.g. at star parties. Easy to put on and take off. Featuring fitted Velcro retaining straps to minimise wind-wear and achieve a snug dust-resistant fit. The material is moisture-resistant and yet breathable enough to allow a dewed-up scope to be covered and still dry thoroughly. Supplied in nylon storage case. Please note: the Scope-Coat is not suitable for long-term outdoor telescope protection.

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